Should you own nothing and be happy?

The slogan comes from a 2016 World Economic Forum essay exploring a future where people rent or share goods like homes, cars, and appliances instead of owning them, aiming to reduce resource use and environmental impact. It has become a focal point for critics who see it as promoting dependency on large corporations and governments through subscription models and reduced personal assets. As of 2026, ongoing discussions link it to rising costs of living, housing shortages, and digital services that favour access over ownership.